Recycling

Blue Recycling Bags

Residents who receive regular residential household garbage pickup can also have their blue recycling bags picked up. There is no limit to the number of blue bags that can be put out for pick up, and they do not need an orange garbage tag. Blue bags can be purchased at most stores where garbage bags are sold.

Garbage & Recycling Pickup

Garbage and recycling will be picked up between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, please call the BC Recycling Hotline at 800-667-4321.

Numbered rigid plastics. Look for the recycle symbol on the container. The container must have that symbol if it is to be accepted. Most food-grade rigid plastics with number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 are acceptable, these include toiletry and cleaning containers, margarine and yogurt containers, food and drink containers and plastic milk jugs

Metal food and beverage cans and containers

Please empty, rinse and flatten (if possible) all containers and cans before including them in the blue bag. Remove paper labels when possible and include as mixed paper. Always ensure that the blue bag is securely tied or fastened shut.

Items Not Accepted in Blue Bag Program

What do I do with items that are not accepted in the Blue Bag program?

Glass - RDCK recycling depots have bins on site to accept glass for recycling (food and beverage containers only)

Juice Cartons (Tetrapaks) - Take these to the bottle depot for refund

Organics - If possible, please compost

Plastic Film/Bags - Grocery bags and soft plastics can be deposited at some local retailers such as Save-On Foods or Walmart and the RDCK Depots

Styrofoam - There is no recycling option for Styrofoam at this time

Putting garbage in blue bags and including it into the recycling stream is considered illegal dumping and is subject to a financial penalty. Nelson residents who include garbage in their blue bags will not have their blue bags picked up.

Blue bag materials are taken to Cranbrook for sorting and processing. Materials - including the blue bags - are baled and sold to markets in BC, Alberta, the U.S., and Asia.

Questions

If you have any questions please call the City of Nelson at 352-8238 or the BC Recycling hotline at 800-667-4321.